The Idea Specialists™ at The Retreat at Mountain Brook in Birmingham, Alabama, are already getting excited about Thanksgiving! They’re once again having the great “stuffing vs dressing” debate, researching all things cranberry, and making sure they’ve signed up for the annual Turkey Trot. And this year, they’re also going to try something new to them—tandoori turkey!
Veterans Day
But before Thanksgiving comes Veterans Day, which honors U.S. veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Did you know that Birmingham is home to the country’s original National Veterans Day Parade, the oldest in the country? The 77th annual parade will begin, rain or shine, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2024, on 18th Street and 9th Avenue North and end at 19th Street and 10th Avenue North, at the official reviewing stand.
More Upcoming Events
After Veterans Day there is plenty of fun to be had in and around the Magic City, especially at the recently renovated StarDome Comedy Club. Reality TV personality Shannon Ford, also known for the popular Probably a Podcast, will take the main stage Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).
And no holiday season in Birmingham would be complete without experiencing the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at the historic Alabama Theatre. This beloved tradition that brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life with the magic of sugar plums and festive wonder is set for Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1 p.m.
The Thanksgiving Table
So, dressing or stuffing? What’s the difference?
The Retreat at Mountain Brook Idea Specialists™ will let you in on a secret—they actually like both! And there’s no way they’re going to try to settle the great debate about what the difference is…..they’ll let certain culinary experts do that.
Instead, knowing full well that everybody thinks their grandma’s recipe is best, they’re sharing two they like: Southern Living’s Cornbread Dressing and Food & Wine’s Mushroom-and-Chestnut Stuffing with Giblets.
Either would go great with tandoori turkey, a culinary delight that combines the best of East Indian flavors with that perennial American favorite roasted bird.
Cranberry Creations
Another perennial American favorite at Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce. Some people swear by homemade, others prefer it right out of that familiar comforting can.
Another popular spin is cranberry chutney, a sweet, spicy, and tangy blend of cranberries cooked with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne. Yep, you guessed it—it pairs beautifully with tandoori turkey!
This is also the time to try out some different cranberry juice mock- and cocktails while gathering in your luxe Retreat at Mountain Brook apartment home. The Ginger Shandy (another name for a Cranberry Mule) is a perfect mix of sweet, zest, and effervescence that nicely balances out the heavy holiday foods (we’re looking at you, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole!).
Another Birmingham Tradition
Another November tradition in Birmingham is The Sam Lapidus Montclair Run. The event started back in 1976 as The Montclair Run, and quickly grew in popularity. Now boasting some 1,500 runners of all ages and abilities and certified by USA Track & Field, the 5K/10K and one-mile fun runs raise funds for the Levite Jewish Community Center (LJCC) and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Sign the whole family up to make special holiday memories Thursday, November 28, 2024. Connect with the community, enjoy the outdoors, and kick off Thanksgiving with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. The race route ( which begins and ends at the LJCC) closes at 8 a.m., so plan accordingly!
